Constitution of the SSF

Swindon Seniors Forum, hereafter referred to as ‘the Forum’,
aims to provide an independent, inclusive forum for discussion
and debate on the issues and concerns of older citizens within
the Borough of Swindon.
It will be run by older people for older people
and be independent of external influences.
In pursuit of these overriding objectives, SSF aims to:

Promote the welfare and interests of older people within the Borough of Swindon.

Provide a regular forum for the exchange of information, ideas and experience, to encourage older people to have their say on issues that concern them and an opportunity to bring those issues and concerns to the notice of the appropriate authorities, organisations, charities, etc.

Assist with the opportunities for older people to be consulted by statutory bodies, such that they have greater opportunity to have a say in, and influence, decisions on issues and concerns that affect them.

Liaise and work in partnership with local, regional or national organisations and institutions who have similar aims, objectives and interests.

Membership, with full voting rights, shall be open, irrespective of nationality, race, colour, political or religious belief, gender or sexuality, to any individual, over fifty five (55) years of age and living within the Borough of Swindon.

Membership is free to all people entitled to join.

Full members shall be entitled to one vote at meetings.

Associated (non-voting) membership is open to any body or person who shares the principles of the Forum and wishes to assist in achieving its aims and objectives.

A membership may be terminated by resolution of the Management Committee on the ground that in their opinion the member’s continued membership is harmful to the Forum (but only after notifying the member in writing and considering the matter in the light of any written representations which the member submits within 14 clear days after receiving notice).

Any changes to the terms and conditions of membership of the Forum shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

For the sole purposes of facilitating communication and flow of information, the Forum will retain a list of members and their contact details.

General Meetings

There will be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which the Management Committee shall be elected. At least 21 days notice must be given to the full membership to enable nominations for election.

Other extraordinary meetings shall be held as required or if not less than 25% of the Forum membership request that one is convened.

The Management Committee will arrange at least two (2) open general meetings during the year within the Borough of Swindon.

A quorum at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting shall be not less than 10 in number or 10% of the total membership if greater.

Management Committee

A Management Committee of no more than 12 members in total, shall be elected at the AGM.

Members of the Management Committee shall serve for no longer than 2 terms (6 years) after which time they must stand down for at least one year before seeking re-election.

The Management Committee will elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and a quorum for any of its meetings shall be 5 voting members including at least one officer. Where neither the Chair or Vice Chair can attend, the meeting shall elect a Temporary Chair.

The Management Committee shall meet at least 4 times a year and voting decisions shall be by a simple majority, with the Chair having the casting vote.

The Management Committee

may co-opt a maximum of four members to serve as committee members until the next AGM, at which time they must seek election in the usual manner.

In addition, the Management Committee may invite any member or associate member to a meeting where their particular knowledge or experience may be useful.

Should a Management Committee member not attend (3) consecutive meetings without giving an acceptable reason for non-attendance, that member will be deemed to have resigned.

Should the Management Committee be reduced to less than 5 voting members, and nobody from the Forum membership comes forward, the Forum will be dissolved according to the procedures set out below.

Publicity

All publicity, press or media coverage etc can only claim to represent Forum views and opinions if it has the endorsement of the Management Committee, a Forum Extraordinary general meeting or an AGM.

Funding

The Forum shall be funded by donations and the Management Committee may seek funds and grants from funding bodies.

Finances

No member shall at any time be entitled to any commission, percentage, payment or inducement or derive (directly or indirectly) any pecuniary benefit when undertaking business on behalf of the Forum.

Members who are asked to represent the Forum at meetings outside the Borough of Swindon can claim travel and incidental expenses.

Full accounts of the financial affairs of the Forum, will be formally inspected and made available to every member, on request, prior to the AGM.

Modifications

Modifications to the Constitution can only be agreed by a majority of those voting at the AGM or Extraordinary General Meeting, where 21 days clear notice of the proposed changes have been notified to all members of the Forum.

Dissolution

A decision to dissolve the SSF can only be taken by a majority vote at an AGM or Special General meeting. Any Forum assets will be used to pay any outstanding debts and/or transferred to other such charitable organisations having objectives similar to SSF.

Equality and Diversity Policy

The Forum has an Equality and Diversity Policy set out in a separate document, copies of which are available on request to the Forum Secretary.

Complaints Procedure

The Forum's Complaints procedure is set out in a separate document, available on request from the Forum Secretary, and relates to Forum members and others attending Forum events.

Amendments and Archives

Amendment I: AGM 2015

The name of the forum was changed from
Swindon Older People's Forum (SOPF)
to
Swindon Seniors Forum (SSF).

About Us

Swindon Serniors Forum (SSF)
is a community organization that promotes
the welfare and interests of older people
within the Borough of Swindon and at the same time
maintain independence from external influence.

We are run by a management committee of elected volunteers
and provide opportunities for
encouraging older people to have their say
and exert influence on
issues that concern them.
We aim to keep you informed of our work and
updated on all local and national issues
that might impact on your life.